Pregnancy, birth preparation and birth

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HIGH-RISK PREGNANCY

In purely statistical terms, the risk of a miscarriage or of an alteration in the chromosome number (e.g. trisomy 21) increases in tandem with the age of the pregnant woman (slightly increased risk above 30, significantly increased risk above 40). However, the majority of older women give birth to perfectly healthy children.

The following factors could indicate a high-risk pregnancy:

-		The mother is older than 35 and/or the father is older than 45.
-		Hereditary diseases in the mother's and/or father’s family.
-		Positive results in the general preparatory examinations.
-		Two or more previous miscarriages.
-		The mother suffers from rubella infection or toxoplasmosis during pregnancy.
-		Taking certain medication during pregnancy.
-		X-ray exposure during pregnancy.

In order to reduce or preclude further risks, you should avoid the following:

-		Excessive alcohol consumption.
-		Smoking – both active and passive smoking more
-		Raw dairy products and raw meat more
-		Extreme physical exertion.
-		High temperatures, e.g. in the sauna or bath.

In individual cases, special examination methods can be employed to determine whether your unborn child has any genetic diseases. However, it is essential that parents carefully consider the benefits and risks of such procedures.

Screening tests
Measuring neckfold thickness more
Analysis of the mother’s blood more
Screening for neural tract malformations more

Invasive examinations
Amniocentesis more
Chorion biopsy more
Placental biopsy more